Eshopps PSK-100 Protein Skimmer
A little over a week ago, we got our hands on an Eshopps PSK-1oo protein skimmer. We discussed our initial impressions of the skimmer, and now we finally have some opinions of how well this skimmer performs. For starters, the skimmer’s compact footprint allows it to be used for just about any small application. Eshopps has rated this protein skimmer for aquariums 75-100 gallons, which may be wishful thinking, but it does a great job handling the moderately stocked 90-gallon we tested it on. After the initial break-in period, we started seeing dark skimmate shortly thereafter. The skimmate production seen in the photo above is only after about a day of skimming.
Tuning this skimmer in is a little tricky at times. The “dial” on the riser tube allows you to easily raise or lower the water level in the body, making it very easy to skim wet or a little on the dry side. The issue here is the water level adjustment is a little on the sensitive side. If you constrict the output too much, the collection cup will begin to fill with a very wet skimmate.
Eshopps PSK-100 Protein Skimmer
The protein skimmer emits a very small amount of microbubbles (virtually unnoticeable), which is a great thing since these bubbles can really ruin the look of an aquarium. Also, the skimmer isn’t loud at all. The pump is submerged and the silencer on the air intake tubing does a good job muffling the noise created by the airflow. Even with the muffler off, the sound isn’t really noticeable.
Given the price of the skimmer (around $120) and it’s ability to handle moderately sized tanks with a moderate stock level, I would easily recommend the Eshopps PSK-1oo to anyone looking for an inexpensive and effective performer.
